Mzansi Matters | Bona Magazine

MZANSI MATTERS

South Africa commemorates October Pride Month with deep-rooted activism history

As South Africa observes October Pride Month, communities across the nation are honouring the deeply political and activist roots that birthed the continent’s queer liberation movement. Also see: UNAPOLOGETICALLY QUEER: THE BILLIONAIRES DUO ARE REDEFINING SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC WITH PRIDE While global Pride celebrations traditionally take place in June, South Africa’s October observance commemorates the […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Capitec reports 19% headline earnings surge to R9.5 billion

Banking giant Capitec has announced stellar financial performance for the six months ended 31 August 2026, delivering a 19% increase in headline earnings to R9.5 billion. Also see: EVERYDAY EXPENSES YOU MIGHT BE OVERSPENDING ON The results reflect the bank’s expanding dominance across South Africa’s consumer and business banking landscapes, driven by its core strategy […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Kagiso Trust launches playbook to help citizen participation in local government

Ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, the Kagiso Trust has launched a civic guide in the form of a comic book to offer South African citizens a practical path to holding local governments accountable. Launched on 30 September, the guide aims to confront the question of how citizens can participate […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Home Affairs sets 2028 deadline to fully retire green ID books

The Department of Home Affairs has officially announced a timeline to phase out South Africa’s traditional green barcoded ID books, establishing 31 March 2028 as the final deadline after which the legacy documents will no longer be recognised as valid forms of identification. Also see: TAX SEASON CHECKLIST: DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE READY Minister of […]

MZANSI MATTERS

WhatsApp introduces new changes for parents and children in South Africa

WhatsApp is rolling out new parental controls in South Africa that will give parents greater oversight of how their children use the messaging platform, including who they can contact, which groups they can join and some features they can access. Also see: Madlanga Commission: Court rejects taxi boss’s attempt to block WhatsApp evidence WhatsApp enhances privacy […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Cape Town townships spark debate on living conditions

A viral social media discourse surrounding living conditions in Cape Town’s working-class townships has reignited a fierce national debate on internal migration, spatial inequality, and economic access in South Africa. Also see: KEMPTON PARK TRAGEDY: VUSI RADEBE’S FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE FOLLOWING BRUTAL MURDER Online conversations on X have drawn sharp comparisons between urban settlement realities […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Home Affairs officials arrested in alleged passport fraud scheme

Two Department of Home Affairs officials, Aluwani Andries Netshidaulu and Ntombifuthi Phyllis Mokwebo, appeared in the Protea Glen Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, facing serious charges of racketeering, corruption, fraud, and Immigration Act violations. Also see: FEROZ KHAN FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER MADLANGA COMMISSION ORDER The court appearance follows a major takedown operation […]

MZANSI MATTERS

3 Men granted R5,000 bail after heavy Nyanga arms bust, sparks outrage

The Athlone Magistrate’s Court has sparked widespread public and civic outrage after granting R5,000 bail each to three men arrested in Nyanga in possession of a high-powered arsenal, including AK-47 rifles, a handgun, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition. Also see: JULIUS MALEMA’S WEALTH AND ANTI-POVERTY PROMISES SPARKS DEBATE The state had strongly opposed […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Julius Malema’s wealth and anti-poverty promises sparks debate

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has once again found himself at the epicentre of intense political discourse following renewed national debate over his high-profile lifestyle and his party’s staunch anti-poverty, pro-working-class rhetoric. Also see: JULIUS MALEMA GRANTED LEAVE TO APPEAL FIREARM CONVICTION As South Africa navigates ongoing socio-economic pressures, marked by high unemployment […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Joint security operation nets over 120 suspected illegal miners

A massive multi-agency security operation targeted illegal mining networks in the West Rand, resulting in the arrest of over 120 suspected illegal foreigners in Fochville. Also see: JOE ‘FERRARI’ SIBANYONI DENIES ALLEGED UNDERWORLD LINKS AT MADLANGA COMMISSION The high-density raid, conducted under Operation Prosper and Operation Karabo, brought together specialised tactical teams from the South […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni denies alleged underworld links at Madlanga Commission

Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni has denied links to alleged underworld operations and organised criminal networks while being questioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Also see: Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni set to return to Madlanga Commission Ferrari returned to the witness stand in Pretoria on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for further cross-examination, with evidence […]

MZANSI MATTERS

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces urgent 4-point plan to fight GBVF

Following mounting public outrage over the horrifying discovery of women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni and rising rates of violent crime across the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a targeted four-point national recovery plan to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Also see: TIKTOKER TAKES AIM AT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA IN FIERY DISS TRACK The televised address […]